2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Morrison Foerster

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Morrison Foerster has a relaxed, respectful, and collaborative culture and looks for smart and open-minded graduates from a range of top schools. The firm is social, with attorneys attending a variety of firm-sponsored activities, as well as networking events outside the firm. The firm has a flat organizational structure and leanly staffed cases, which means that associates can expect to work directly with partners on small teams. Associates say that partners treat them with respect, often asking them to make the first attempt at completing a substantive assignment and promoting early-career client communication. The firm provides assignments through work coordinators, who endeavor to balance associate workloads, but associates are ultimately responsible for seeking work and managing their responsibilities. Associates who want partner mentorship can typically find it, and the firm assigns associate mentors to incoming attorneys. The firm chair gives quarterly updates, which associates appreciate, though some associates would like more transparency into decisions from firm leadership more broadly. Associates are happy that MoFo is upgrading its technology, which enables them to take advantage of the flexible hybrid policy but currently reduces efficiency. The firm’s compensation model provides market salaries and a bonus for attorneys who work at least 1,950 legal services hours, including at least 1,800 client-billable hours; the other hours can be pro bono, D+I, or other contributions to the firm. Moreover, additional bonuses are available for billing higher hours and on a merit basis. The path to equity partnership is realistic but long, taking from 9 to 11 years. The firm has recently introduced a non-equity partner tier, and counsel roles are available. The firm also offers the MoFo NEXT program, which helps attorneys who wish to leave find exit opportunities confidentially. Benefits include free counseling and coaching, offices with an on-site gym, and a flexible time away policy.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE

MoFo is invested in your success.

At MoFo, we don’t just hire talent; we invest in it.

• Our commitment to your success starts with our Ready to Launch and Wetmore Bridge Program initiatives, designed to bridge the gap between law school and practice with tailored coaching, management skills workshops, and professional development sessions.
• The MyMoFo success framework provides clear performance expectations, empowering associates to manage their career progression effectively.
• With MoFo Next, our center for career advancement, we provide lifelong career support, from exploring diverse career paths to leveraging client relationships for secondments and full-time opportunities.
• And with our market-leading Associate Bonus Program, you’re rewarded not just for billable hours but also for pro bono, diversity and inclusion, and business development contributions.

MoFo is driven by excellence, collaboration, and innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities to thrive professionally while working on cutting-edge matters with exceptional colleagues. Our values of inclusion, career development, and service set us apart, making MoFo not just a firm to join but a community where you’ll build a future that is uniquely yours.